They would ask me what actors I saw in the roles. I would tell them, and they’d say “Oh that’s interesting.” And that would be the end of it.
--Elmore Leonard, in 2000, on the extent of his input for Hollywood's adaptation of his novels

If The Guest Cottage were made into a movie, I’d cast Rosamund Pike as the lead woman, Sophie. I’ve watched Rosamund Pike act in many BBC series, and not only is she absolutely lovely, she has a sweetness about her in all her movements. I know she was wicked in Gone Girl, but that just proves what a great actress she is. Check her out in Pride and Prejudice.

For the lead actor, Trevor, I’d cast James Norton, who stars in the Grantchester series. He’s a tall hunk of a man, with the face of a slightly confused angel. Or I’d cast Francois Amaud, who played Cesare Borgia in the series The Borgias. I’d love to see him act again. Both men are handsome and could summon up the slightly clueless intention toward responsible parenting.

For Hristo, the gorgeous Bulgarian, I’d cast Gerard Butler. No other possibilities.

Director? Angelina Jolie. My book is about two families learning to live together, and Jolie knows all about blended families. Plus, I admire her.

The setting would have to be on Nantucket. The small town atmosphere, the long golden beaches, the rose-covered cottages, the bike paths and moors, the lighthouses and yachts, all compose a unique and idyllic location for renewed happiness.

“Compared to a novel, a film is like an economy pizza where there are no olives, no ham, no anchovies, no mushrooms, and all you’ve got is the dough.”
--Louis de Bernières, author of Captain Corelli’s Mandolin